Let the planning begin!

Hello everyone! I've had a lot of time to truly look into traveling opportunities since school has ended. As many of you know, I am going with a tour group to Argentina and Antarctica for the month of January. That trip is planned, but what about the rest of the year when I won't be teaching at Roosevelt School? I've decided to spend the year taking a bunch of small trips rather than a year in one specific country. I have always wanted to learn about different cultures and I hope this approach allows me to do just that.

You wouldn't believe how many options are out there. Looking through books and internet websites, I found there to be countless choices. There are trips through tour groups where they plan everything for you and you pay the money(some are for specific age groups or it can be based on how much money you want to spend). There are volunteer programs in different countries working with animals, orphans, building new homes, or helping others learn English. In addition, you can always plan something on your own(this can be the most difficult if you don't have the proper resources). I went to google, typed in volunteer abroad and an endless amount of links appeared on my monitor. I sifted through the different websites for days. I wanted to find programs that were educational, interesting, and affordable. However, since safety is one of my top priorities this year, it was extremely important to search for a safe living environment.

After figuring out which volunteer program I liked best, I started on the paper work. I decided on a 3 week program that will take place at the end of November. I will hold off on telling you the country for now.( Clue #1: the country starts with a P ) There are always papers to be handed in or signed when you participate in a volunteer project. One of the most important documents that I will take with me on this trip is my passport. If you ever want to visit another country, you will need this.

On top of all of the papers, I had to also make a special visit to the doctor. Majority of the countries I intend on exploring are safe. However, there are some under-developed countries I hope to visit that recommend receiving specific shots before arriving. There are numerous ways to get ill when visiting these types of countries if you don't plan accordingly. Water and food are two of the most common ways to become sick on an international vacation. Tap water can be contaminated or food may not be cooked properly. Additionally, there are infected mosquitoes in certain under-developed countries that can spread disease with just a bite. I know that must sound scary, but it isn't that bad. You just have to be smart and read up on what type of clothing to wear or bug spray to use. Again, most of the places I will visit are safe, but I always feel it is best to take preventative actions whenever possible.

It was challenging to locate a doctor in this area that actually provides travel shots. After calling around, I found Dr. Focella in Paramus (Valley Hospital also offers this service, but they charge much more than Dr. Focella). He was fantastic! He spent 45 minutes in total explaining, advising, and of course, injecting the 3 shots(that part only took 1 minute). I will have to go back two more times, each time I will receive another shot. I can't wait(I hope you know my sarcasm by now)!

I guess that is it for now. I will continue to plan my mini trips for 2009 and will be in touch in August or September.

As my Grandma Ginnie loves to say, "So long for now,"
KMF